Brazilian peppertreeSchinus terebinthifolius Raddi

Overview

Appearance

Schinus terebinthifolius is a broadleaved, dioecious, evergreen shrub or small tree. Plants can grow to 30 ft. (9.1 m) tall.

Foliage

The alternate, dark green leaves are pinnately compound and slightly toothed along leaflet margins. Leaflets are opposite along a winged rachis and 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) long. Leaves have a strong smell of pepper or turpentine when crushed.

Flowers

The trees produce clusters of small, white, 5-petaled flowers developing in the leaf axils of young stems. Trees flower year-round, but flowers are most concentrated in the fall.

Fruit

Fruit are small, bright red berries that are very attractive to birds and other wildlife. Hundreds of seedlings have been seen sprouting from bear scat.

Ecological Threat

Schinus terebinthifolius invades a variety of habitats including old fields, forests, hammocks, ditches, and wetlands. It invades natural and disturbed areas in Hawaii, Florida, Texas and California. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation.